KC Traps Zero Power Door Release
Model: ELR-12 (Electric Latch Release) is designed for holding a cage trap door in the OPEN position, against the pulling force of bungee cords and springs that are trying to close the trap door. The ELR-12 is a Zero Power latch that can hold the trap door OPEN against 40 lbs of force. The latch requires no power to remain in the READY state. For the trapper, this means that much smaller battery packs can be used, while the run time for batteries before they must be charged or replaced, will be greatly increased. This is a great improvement for making a trapping scenario less intrusive and allowing the dog to get used to seeing the trap.
The ELR-12 Zero Power Latch makes it possible to use battery types and capacities that could not be used by magnetic latch systems. Zero Power allows you to use rechargeable and non-rechargeable battery packs, opening up many possible ways to tailor each trapping situation and power requirement. The 10Amp hour or higher battery capacity that is part of a typical magnetic latch system is absolutely not needed for the KC Zero Power Latch. You can retrofit the ELR-12 onto your magnetic latch system and continue using your existing power supply. It is easy to implement a power source that uses several different battery types.
The ELR-12 Latch requires 1 amp at 12VDC for approximately 0.3 second to release when triggered.
For a trap scenario of one week, (8) AA alkalines will provide ample power and have some spare days of power if required. For two weeks of operation, using Lithium batteries is a good choice. An excellent power choice for all normal trapping situations are listed in the chart below.
Zero Power Latch Vs. Magnetic Latch
Compare latch types below:
YouTube video link: Kacy Hendricks
Name: KC Zero Power Latch
Model: ELR-12
ELR-12 ELECTRIC LATCH RELEASE
The ELR-12 can be used with existing trap systems that operate at 12Volts DC. For Systems that are setup with an electro magnet, holding the trap door open, there must be a minor modification to the wiring. This modification is detailed in this ELR-12 PDF available here and is a change at the IR receiver output relay.
The ELR-12 consists of a main electrically driven latch release and an aluminum capture bar. A rope is tied to the capture bar and another rope is tied to the ELR-12. These ropes are then tied to the trap door, with the other rope tied to a stationary part of the trap. Upon a trigger voltage of 12VDC being applied to the ELR-12, the latch bar is released and the trap door is allowed to close. The ELR-12 can operate and hold against a pulling force of 40lbs. The ELR-12 will use zero power while it waits to be triggered. The 12Volt geared servo will release the capture bar in less than 0.5 seconds when triggered. Main frame and release components for the ELR-12 are machined aluminum. The capture bar is made of 1/8th thick machined aluminum plate. To minimize friction there are ABS slide guides for the capture bar release mechanism. The ELR-12 has a micro switch power cutoff that removes power immediately after the capture bar is removed.
LATCH CONTROLLERS
We offer latch controllers that are triggered by IR beam interupt that closes the trap when an invisible IR light beam is broken. We also have a RF wireless system that has a distance range of up to 2000feet. It also has AUX inputs for wired trigger switches and other contact closure triggers.
IR REFLECT TRIGGER CONTROL
This type of triggering is reliable for traps that are unmonitored but are checked on a schedule. They require careful set up and a reasonably well built cage that can withstand the typical storms and winds that might happen. These traps must provide very stable mounting positions for the IR emitter/receiver unit and for the reflection panel on opposite sides of the cage. Locating the controller and the reflector, in the best position for triggering and closing the door is essential.
Milled from 0.125" alluminum plate, the latch capture bar has a 0.7" dia hole for rope or hooks.
The main frame of the ELR-12 is 0.22" aluminum plate, machined to precision tolerence for a long life.
A ELR-12 partially assembled shows the ABS slide guides and power cutoff switch.
